No Steven Gerrard, no Ashley Cole and no James Milner in the starting XI on Friday night (the latter two are also both on yellow cards and therefore one caution away from suspension) pointed to the fact that all three are likely to start against Montenegro when Roy Hodgson will want to stiffen his England team.

Glen Johnson was not even on the bench as he was saved. The likelihood is Hodgson may also bring in Danny Welbeck – for Jermain Defoe – and ask him to reprise the kind of hard-working shift he put in for Manchester United against Real Madrid.

There may also be a recall for Michael Carrick, who could add composure and passing ability to a midfield where ball retention could be the key to England’s success. The loss of Theo Walcott limited Hodgson’s options as he may have figured in both matches.

Roy Hodgson went with his most experienced pairing available in Joleon Lescott, who was not even in the original squad selection, and Chris Smalling, the only one of the four who was.

Neither is first-choice for his club and hardly boast a lot of caps but, of course, last night that was pretty immaterial given the opposition. It was more of a run-out for them to familiarise themselves with each other and get communicating.

The big question for Hodgson now is does he see if Gary Cahill returns to fitness, as is hoped, and consider bringing him back in next Tuesday? And, if so, who for?

It would be hard on Smalling but Lescott is more seasoned and so would be expected to keep his place. It was hard to judge on last night’s performance but the manager might be tempted to go again with this pair.

3. Width the key, no matter the opposition

Despite the impressive flow of goals for England for a while, did get sucked into trying to work the ball through the middle, with Wayne Rooney dropping off, and that played into San Marino’s hands.

The minnows are adept at packing the centre and blocking around the penalty area, throwing their bodies in the way.

When they are pulled out-of-position they struggled. But that is the same for any opposition and it was when England started to find Leighton Baines wide on the left that the goals flowed. The fullback again impressed, assisting for goals, and is continuing to put pressure on Ashley Cole as England’s first-choice left back.

Hodgson went for a traditional 4-4-2 and although it is his favoured formation it would be a surprise to see him use it against Montenegro. England need to be brave and stretch the play.

4. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has given food for thought

The Arsenal teenager was a favourite of Hodgson’s for euro 2012, bursting into the starting XI for the manager’s first competitive match in charge but, in truth, has struggled to find a regular place and role in the Arsenal team this season which has had an impact on playing for his country.

Against San Marino his pace and directness – and his quick feet – made a difference and with Theo Walcott injured he may have forced his way again into Hodgson’s thinking for Tuesday night.

It was summed up by his first-half goal with a clever give-and-go before he quickly adjusted his feet to beat the goalkeeper. Before that he had struck the crossbar and he showed a hungry appetite to get forward and impress.

5. England are in the right frame of mind

The fear on Friday night was that it could be a frustrating evening if the goals did not come quickly. It could have been embarrassing.

England did not allow that to happen as they forced the issue from the start, stamping their authority on the contest and demoralising the opposition with their constant pressure and pressing.

San Marino were not given the chance to waste time or slow things down or frustrate England – or draw any silly challenges.

Five goals in the first 45 minutes of any game is impressive, no matter the strength of the opposition, and this will have been a huge psychological fillip ahead of the next tie. England meant business and efficiently collected the points and boosted their goal difference.